Things to do in SoCal: Music festivals, Shakespeare in the park and more

Looking to get the most out of summer? These are some of the events happening around town that are worth checking out.

Jazz at LACMA

Every Friday evening through October, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art showcases jazz music at its welcome plaza. The concerts are free and seating is first come first served. Space is limited, but attendees can bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy during the performance.

Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival

Catch a performance of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” through Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. This takes place at the top of the old zoo in Griffith Park. The performance and parking are free. This year, registration is required to accommodate crowds. Attendees can bring a blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy the immersive experience. Prefer a reserved seat instead? A $60 per chair donation will get you just that. Visit their webiste for more information.

Summer Sunset Music Series

Culver City will continue its Summer Sunset Music Series running Thursdays through Aug. 29. The series will feature Latin Music Showcase, featuring Carlos Y Carlos, Boleros with Attitude and Los Angelenos. This takes place at the Culver Steps. 

Black Restaurant Week

It will begin Aug. 23 and run through Sept. 1, with several restaurants participating. The weeklong event is focused on restimulating local economies by promoting Black-owned culinary businesses. For a list of participating restaurants, visit their website. 

The Nova Music Festival Exhibition: The Moment Music Stood Still

At sunrise on Oct. 7, the peaceful festival was disrupted as thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, resulting in the murder of 1,200 lives, among them 370 festival attendees. The exhibition premiered in Tel Aviv for a span of 10 weeks and drew thousands who paid homage to the departed. Now, the team behind Nova is bringing the exhibition to the West Coast. The Nova Exhibition founders and their partners from the United States have recreated a sacred space resonating with the weight of the memories of both victims and survivors, enveloped by remnants salvaged from the festival grounds.

Palm Tree Music Festival at Dana Point

The Oct. 5 and 6 events at Doheny State Beach will feature artists including OneRepublic, Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers and more. There are several ticket tiers offering different experiences. For ticket information, visit the festival’s website. 

Culver City Pumkin Patch

Opening on Oct. 5, this Halloween haunt is a female-owned business that will return with food, entertainment and lots of pumpkins. Note that pets are not allowed at the patch. For guaranteed entrance to the patch, it’s suggested visitors purchase tickets online. Tickets range from $8 to $20 depending on the time and day. 

Hollywood Bowl

During the summer, $1 tickets are available for Philharmonic performances on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Bowl. Park-and-ride and shuttle services are also available for as low as $7 so people can come and go to the venue. 

For the latest LA Phil concerts, visit its website.

CicLAvia

Streets will be closed to traffic to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the city in the following events:

• Heart of LA — This 7.5-mile ride is happening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13

Get more details about each route from their website. 

Puppets in the Park

Presented by Bob Barker Marionnet Theater and Hollyhock House on Sept. 14 and Oct. 12, this free ticketless event includes a performance followed by an art activity for families. Gates of the west lawn open at 9:30 a.m., with the puppet show starting at 10 a.m. and the art at 10:30 a.m.

Hollyhock House

Self-guided tours of the Frank Loyd Wraight house are offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Advance tour ticket purchase is recommended.

Sawdust Art Festival

There are still three more weeks to check out the annual festival, which is underway for its 58th season in Laguna Beach. The festival brings art-lovers together to enjoy art, music and food. It opens at 11 a.m. daily with more than 180 artists, free art classes and free art demonstrations. Plus, there are three live music stages. To see the schedule, visit the festival’s website.

Ohana Festival

This music festival will return to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point from Sept. 27 through 29. Some of the musical acts include Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Sting and La Santa Cecilia. There are various ticket options. For more information, visit the festival’s website.